Make It Work

Working mothers, career transitions, and the power of becoming — Sarah Wong joins Sherry Fang on the Soft Power Project for an honest conversation about navigating uncertainty, motherhood, and identity. 🌱In this special episode, the mic flips — and this time, I’m the one being interviewed. 🎙️ Sherry invited me to open up about the messy but transformative seasons of my life: moving countries while pregnant, juggling family responsibilities with career shifts, and rediscovering who I was when nothing seemed stable. These were the moments that looked like chaos on the outside — but in hindsight, they were shaping me from the inside out. And also laid the foundation for the Make It Work podcast!In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about:👩‍👧‍👦 How becoming a mum shook up everything I thought I knew about who I was and what mattered most.🌊 The shaping role of my faith in a season of uncertainty 💡 Why feeling “lost” can actually be the most powerful season of growth.❤️ How I’m reshaping the way I speak to my children about who they are, not just what they’ll do.🕊️ The surprising truth about boundaries, Sabbath, and modeling rest for the next generation.This episode is for anyone balancing career transitions, family life, and the constant juggle of being a working mom — or anyone who’s ever looked around at the chaos and wondered if it could lead to something more. If you’ve ever felt caught between roles, pulled by change, or unsure of your next step, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone.—------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:58 Welcome to Soft Power Project02:58 When Life Changes Direction14:08 The Therapeutic Power of Podcasting21:29 How Do You Create When Life Doesn’t Slow Down?22:08 Why Your Wins Matter More Than You Think23:34 Why Soft Power Matters More Than Ever26:24 Are Your Boundaries Helping or Holding You Back?35:12 The Next Chapter: Letting Go to Move Forward—------------------------------------------Follow Sherry here:👋 Executive Plus Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/ Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity—-------------------------------#MakeItWorkPodcast #TheSoftPowerProject #WorkingMoms #MotherhoodJourney #CareerTransitions #Identity #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PodcastGuest #FutureOfWork #InspirationFrom Stay-At-Home to Single Working Mom: What Divorce Taught Me (That I Never Saw Coming): https://youtu.be/pw6r_MizOuI?si=tjv3ApPNuKX5B3E5Parenthood Across 10 Countries: The Village Every Parent Needs - Marina Lopes: https://youtu.be/hDMbVn725uA?si=rOV7qljsePBkfWKZ29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New - Luanne Poh: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=KVPYE4CBI9IQPBjd

What happens when a journalist travels to 10 different countries, across cultures and continents, to gather the best lessons about parenting? From the way Swedish parents share the mental load, to the way Brazilian grandmothers descend on a new mother’s hospital room, to the way Mozambican villages raise children as a community — each culture holds a piece of wisdom that challenges how we think about raising the next generation.In this episode, I sit down with Marina Lopes — longtime journalist, foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, and most recently the author of Please Yell At My Kids. In her book, Marina does just that: capturing stories and insights from around the world to reframe how we think about parenting and community.For Marina, this journey began with her own contrasting experiences: an emergency C-section in Brazil, surrounded by forty relatives and neighbors in the hospital room… and later, the complete isolation of raising her second baby during COVID in the United States. 🌍💔As a Brazilian-American married to an Asian-American diplomat, Marina has witnessed how families around the world nurture children, share responsibility, and create belonging. Her book reminds us that parenting was never meant to be done alone — and that building our “village” may be the most important parenting skill of all.In this intimate conversation, we explored:👶 Why the “rosy” picture of motherhood can leave first-time moms feeling broken🌍 What cultures from Brazil to Mozambique can teach us about raising children together💡 How to split the “mental load” in marriage without resentment🤱 Why your second child can sometimes heal the traumas of the first💛 Why building your “village” might be the most important parenting skill of all—-------------------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:24 Welcome to Make It Work03:12 Covering Headlines While Navigating Home Life06:03 Motherhood Struggles No One Talks About13:25 What Parenting Across 10 Countries Taught Me26:13 Why Moms Get Stuck in the Cycle of Frustration27:23 Marriage Isn’t 50/50 — So What Works Instead?29:13 Is Modern Life Killing Our Sense of Community?37:51 Working Mom or Just Mom? The Identity Tug-of-War48:25 Why Parents Can’t Survive Without a Village—-----------------------------------Connect with Marina here:👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinalopes1/👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalopesauthor/👋Purchase Book ‘Please Yell At My Kids’: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marina-lopes/please-yell-at-my-kids/9780306834417/?fbclid=PAT01DUANAssdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp63kJM3AhmsWu96m7Y6kf4eAaOxsqIUe6gauPOSkRvyry4jrZLv_OVfU_rlV_aem_7Zz03NqkzG-UImCA6Y03pwFollow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity—-------------------------------Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙#MillennialParents #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingCommunity #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #MotherhoodStories #MakeItWorkPodcast #ModernMotherhood

A pregnancy loss after a long journey of fertility struggles. And then her twins were born at just 29 weeks. And all this whilst building Singapore’s first of its kind artspace for children. Luanne Poh, co-founder of The Artground in Singapore and mom to twin girls, has lived through the quiet struggles that many working mothers never speak aloud.For years, she juggled a high-pressure career in the arts at the Esplanade 🎭 while enduring the heartbreak of fertility challenges. A single pink line on a test changed everything—forcing her to confront the question: Was the way she was working destroying her dreams of building her own family?Leaving behind a decade-long career, Luanne stepped into the unknown - eventually co-founding Singapore’s first multidisciplinary children’s arts center and embracing a different kind of leadership: one shaped by motherhood, creativity, and resilience. All while parenting premature babies born at 29 weeks. If you’re juggling the balance between ambition, identity, and parenting, this episode is for you. In this intimate conversation, we explored:👩‍👧‍👧 What if you’ve only been a mom for as long as your child has been alive?💔 How do you navigate the guilt, anger, and heartbreak of fertility struggles?⚖️ Can you really walk away from a dream career for the chance at motherhood?😰 Why does parenting feel more precious—and yet more pressurizing—than ever before?🎨 How can creativity and art become bridges between parents and children?—----------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 “Mommy, you’ve only been a mom for 6 years”01:30 Welcome to Make It Work04:39 What happened after that pink line?08:26 Why we started The Artground (and what it means to families)14:58 How do you parent with love and limits?24:01 Screen time rules: what works (and what doesn’t)26:02 The unexpected rule that replaced screen time30:15 What balance really looks like behind closed doors33:47 Parenting preemies: the hardest and most precious lessons39:26 The secret every flexible mom knows—----------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Luanne here:👋 Website: https://www.theartground.com.sg👋 The Artground Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartground/------------------------------------------------------------------Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity—-------------------------------Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙#MillennialParents #FertilityStruggles #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #ParentingCommunity #MakeItWorkPodcast #FertilityJourney

Sherry Fang, mom to an 11-year-old and based in Taiwan, has worn many hats—from stay-at-home mom to single mom, executive coach, podcaster, and brand specialist. At 35, her life was turned upside down by a painful divorce and the bold decision to start her own consultancy. Despite experiencing what she called a “violent year”, Sherry pushed forward with no formal business plans or prior experience to launch her consultancy and two impactful podcasts: The Executive Plus (Apple & Spotify Top 50 podcast with >1.3 million downloads), and The Soft Power Project, which explores the powerful transformations women undergo when they combine strength with softness.In this intimate conversation, we talked about:👥 Can you build a career from nothing 💔 What if divorce and launching a company in the same year was the breakthrough you didn’t see coming?👩‍👦 Is time the only measure of motherhood—or is independence the gift we don’t talk about?😢 What changes when you stop hiding and let yourself feel everything?🎨 What if the “right path” never felt right—because you were meant to create something entirely your own?—-------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00 What divorce taught me (that I never expected)01:21 Welcome to Make It Work01:59 Is life truly "starting over again and again"?03:58 The "violent" year: Divorce, business, and transformation 07:39 What coaching revealed to me (it’s not what you think)24:40 Why believe less, celebrate less?25:16 How I juggle motherhood/career30:08 Being a top podcaster:: lessons learnt36:54 What is Soft Power all about?—------------------------------------------------------------Follow Sherry here:👋 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/ Watch more:Unexpectedly Flourishing: The Unforeseen Benefits of a Career Downshift with Sharon Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtoRL21T2vcHow This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo: https://youtu.be/Gz0dPLB74BM?si=9OpJFlCE-AAy0rFySME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee: https://youtu.be/7pSNn8KZMZ0?si=Y2vWnNJrSvobwpdEChildren' s Book Author: Why The Stories We Tell Our Kids And Ourselves-Matter: https://youtu.be/PhWeM3XZQC0?si=WS3Emu0XroWHfQ4gHow to Design a Calm Home (And Life) That Actually Works for Your Family! - Winnie Tam : https://youtu.be/iPBCdz6oq74?si=U5DAaa27SjMFumNEFollow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity—-------------------------------Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟 ➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment (stay-at-home mom, working mom, single mom, divorce, executive coach, communications coach, podcaster, personal branding, motherhood and career, work-life balance, female leadership, parenting tips, women entrepreneurs, career transition, branding strategy, mompreneur)#MakeItWorkPodcast #Divorce #WorkingMomLife #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #SingleMomJourney #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoach #PodcastInterview #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #MomReinvented #BossMomLife

In this special episode, the tables were turned and the mic was on me this time, as I joined career coach and HR guru Adrian Tan on The Adrian Tan Show to unpack the messy, beautiful journey that led to my own personal and professional transformation as well as the birth of the Make It Work Podcast. 👩‍👧‍👦✨In this raw, honest conversation, I dive into:🎙️ Redefining Purpose: How becoming a mum reshaped everything I thought I knew about success🔄 The Pivot Point: Why the biggest career shifts often begin with deep personal transformation🎨 Portfolio Life: My journey into crafting a career that’s part-time CEO, part-podcaster, part-community-builder🤝 Power of Community: Real strategies for leaning on your tribe when everything feels up in the air💌 Letter to Younger Me: The advice I wish I’d had before those first steps into motherhood and entrepreneurshipTune in for unfiltered reflections, actionable insights, and the reassurance that none of us have it all figured out—and that’s exactly where the magic happens. I hope it inspires you in your journey! Connect with Adrian here:👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-adrian-tan-show/👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanadrian18/👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianTan18—-------------------------------Chapters01:55 What’s This Interview All About?02:36 Introduction To The Adrian Tan Show03:02 Who is Sarah Wong, Really?03:56 Sarah's Portfolio Career04:38 Can You Truly Be Present at Work and Home?05:24 What Snapped Sarah Onto a Different Path?13:16 Starting the Podcast Journey16:37 What's the Real Grind of Podcasting?21:22 Why is Mentorship Crucial for Women in Tech?23:03 How Do You Launch a Successful Mentorship Initiative?24:12 What Support Do Mothers Truly Need?25:28 What Are the Hidden Rules of Effective Networking?30:36 How Do You Master Personal and Professional Demands?31:02 Is 'Sabbath' the Ultimate Productivity Hack?34:01 What Fuels Daily Energy and Focus?39:20 What Would You Tell Your Younger, Ambitious Self?—-------------------------------Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://tinyurl.com/miwgroupFollow and connect with us! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com—-------------------------------💙 You can help us make another new video by leaving a commentKeywords:(Working mothers, Women in leadership, Flexible work, 4-day work week, Mompreneur, Female co-founder, Rediscovering identity, Motherhood and career, Personal growth, Empowering women, Small business journey, Balancing family and business, Purpose-driven leadership, Self-worth and confidence, Podcast for Moms, Portfolio Careers Asia, Career Journey, Motherhood)#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMom #WomenInBusiness #MomBoss #PurposeDriven #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodUnfiltered #LeadershipJourney #FemaleFounder #FlexWork #BuildYourVoice #EmpoweredWomen #OwnYourStory #FromSupportToLeader #RedefiningSuccess #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms #inspiration #Healthcare #Podcasts #Portfolio #Career #CareerJourney #job

🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all products from iAM health! Just use the code “MAKEITWORK10” at checkout.Listen to  the remarkable journey of Dr. Cheryl Yeo, who transitioned from a stable career in a lab to building a thriving health supplement company while navigating the complexities of motherhood, (mostly) solo parenting, and personal growth.We talked about:👩‍👧 The health scare with her child that sparked a bold career shift🚗 Hustling through side gigs (including Grab Hitch!) to fund a dream from the ground up📉 Facing rejection, failure, and zero business background—and pushing through anyway🧠 Why probiotics are misunderstood—and how iAM Health is changing the game with science-backed strains (especially for Asians!)💬 Her honest advice for working momsDr. Cheryl Yeo, a mom of two with a PhD in Cellular Biology, worked in a lab before starting her company, iAM Health. Her decision was driven by the need for flexibility for her children and her passion for helping others through nutritional supplements. Without family in Singapore and a husband who traveled frequently, she lacked a traditional "village" support system. A scary incident involving her young son's seizure made her confront the conflict between her demanding job and her family's needs, solidifying her decision to make a change.Today, Dr. Cheryl leads iAM Health, an award-winning health supplement company known for its high-quality, research-driven probiotic products tailored to specific health needs. Despite starting with minimal marketing expenditure, the company experienced significant organic growth, now boasting revenue over a million. Her journey highlights the power of resilience, conviction, and finding balance in the challenging intersection of entrepreneurship and motherhood.—--------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:01:08 Welcome to Make It Work Podcast01:34 Dr. Cheryl Yeo: From PhD Lab to Probiotic Powerhouse02:03 Why a Mother Left Her Stable Lab Job for Zero Income02:45 The Pivotal Moment That Sparked Change03:50 Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of Solo Parenting07:08 How a Birthday Party Taught Cheryl to 'Let Go'10:33 Strategic Side Hustles Paved the Way to Entrepreneurship11:03 The Humble Beginnings of iAM Health13:06 When Rejection Hit Hard (and 4-Star Grab Ratings Hurt More!)15:33 Why Your Gut is the Key to 90% of Your Health17:06 The Science Behind iAM Health's Probiotics19:32 How iAM Health Tailors Formulas for Asia's Hidden Deficiencies22:16  How a Celebrity Testimonial Exploded iAM Health's Growth27:44 Life-Changing Lessons (and Tough Love Advice) for Every Working Mom—-------------------------------Connect with Cheryl here:👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhealth.live/👋 Website: iamhealth.liveFollow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity

In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to grow a business, raise a family, and reclaim your identity along the way.We talk about:🌱 Raising children and a business at the same time 💡 Why workplace flexibility isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for working moms 💼 How a 4-day work week can support mothers returning to work 🧭 The years she felt like a “vice captain” in her own business—and how she reclaimed her voice 😮‍💨 The power of learning how to breathe right (yes, really!) 👶🏼 How motherhood shaped her leadership in unexpected ways 🌟 Why Louisa believes you can do it all—and do it wellFor over a decade, Louisa Lee worked quietly behind the scenes of her husband’s dental practice DP Dental —never calling herself a co-founder, even as she helped build the business from scratch.A trained teacher by background, she didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur. But life had other ideas. While raising two boys and helping run the clinic alongside her husband, Louisa also carried the emotional load many working mothers know all too well: invisible labor, guilt, and the tension between being there for others and showing up for yourself.That all changed the day she stopped seeing herself as the “vice captain” and stepped fully into her role as co-leader.Today, Louisa is an award-winning entrepreneur (Entrepreneur of the Year 2017), advocate for working mothers, and champion of the 4-day work week—a structure she believes is game-changing for women navigating motherhood and career.00:52 Welcome to Make It Work01:03 Meet Louisa Lee: Teacher to Titan04:27 The 4-Day Work Week: Built on Trust09:33 Return to Work Advice for Moms: Hire for Will, Train for Skills12:35 Find Your Fit: Why SMEs Might Be Your Best Bet14:52 Is This Company Real? Aligning Values with Work18:23 Myofunctional Therapy: Breathe Right, Sleep Right?20:28 Practical Tips for Better Health23:15 The Importance of Proper Breathing25:50 The Dreamer, Doer, and Village: Juggling It All28:06 When I Stopped Dimming My Light37:27 Raising Healthy and Independent Children39:32 Can We Have It All?40:55 Special Offers and PromotionsConnect with Louisa here:👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisalee/👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisalee/👋 Website: www.dpdental.comFollow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form

🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all children’s titles by Ames Chen at https://graceworks.com.sg/store/ for the entire month of May 2025! Just use code “MAKEITWORK” at checkout.—------------------------------------------------------------She didn’t set out to be a children’s author. She just wanted to survive motherhood.After being told she might never conceive, Ames Chen’s entry into motherhood was already complicated. A difficult pregnancy followed. Isolation crept in. So she started writing letters—first, just to her daughter. What started as a private act of reflection became the early beginnings of writing for thousands of other children.Today, Ames is a mother of three and the author of over 10 children’s books—many of which explore themes of social inclusion, empathy, and the stories we often overlook. (Fun fact: several are personal favorites in my own home!) A true multi-hyphenate, Ames is also a communications trainer for youth, and member of a church missions team.Ames, who is also my childhood friend, shares a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to mother with purpose—and live with conviction.In this episode, we talk about: 🌱 Why writing through pain can unlock your purpose 📚 How real conversations with migrant workers shaped a children’s book series that’s now read in schools 🌍 What happens when your kids witness humanitarian work firsthand 🛠️ The small, old-school parenting hacks that build real independence 💬 How her family lives by the motto: “Live simply to love generously.”While many of us talk about juggling the different parts of life, Ames’s story is about convergence—how she brings together her work, her faith, and her family in intentional, deeply connected ways.Why not also consider supporting Ames’ then 8 year old Mya’s work “The Runaway Dream” , an e-book about “her beloved refugees” after visiting a refugee centre. All proceeds go towards the centre. Connect with Ames: 📧 Email: ameschenjie@gmail.com 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameschen/—-------------------------------Chapters00:45 Intro to Make It Work00:59 Intro to Ames Chen: She Never Thought To Write Books. She Was Just Trying To Breathe.01:55 “I Was Alone and Overwhelmed”: The Hardest Part of Motherhood03:20 Parenting Hacks That Actually Build Independence05:50 Mother. Author. Trainer. Missions Worker. 10:39  The Journey of Becoming an Author14:41 When Kids See the Invisible: The Birth of One of Us15:02 Mya's (Amy's Daughter) Quest16:39 Why Teaching Empathy Starts with a Dishcloth and a Dustpan18:59 When Kids Witness Humanitarian Work Firsthand22:19 The Annual Family Tradition That’s Not About Holidays23:06 How to Raise Children Who Love Generously 25:06 Are Today’s Youth Lost… or Just Misunderstood?27:10 This Is What I Want My Kids To Learn From Me29:12 The Final Word—and a Gift for Families Who Read Together—-------------------------------Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/formFollow and connect with us! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com#MakeItWorkPodcast #ChildrensBookAuthor #EmpathyThroughStorytelling #MotherhoodJourney #RaisingEmpatheticKids #ParentingWithPurpose #CompassionateParenting #AuthorMom #KidsWhoMakeADifference #FamilyValues #LivingSimply #IntentionalParenting #KidHacks #MomsWhoLead #RealMoms #EmpoweredMoms #ParenthoodReflections #WritingForSocialChange #ImpactfulStorytelling #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms

Winnie Tam is a designer-architect and a mom of an almost 2-year-old, based in London, UK. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she moved to the United Kingdom for college and launched her career at globally renowned architectural firms. In 2022, she founded 14 AM, an architecture and interior design studio focused on creating restorative spaces for city dwellers. Blending her Eastern upbringing with a Western lifestyle has shaped the way she approaches both design and motherhood—sometimes challenging societal norms and even making her question whether she was "doing the right thing."In this special episode, Winnie takes a hands-on approach, personally analyzing my living room setup (!!) and sharing expert insights on how to improve it. If you love what she does, great news—she's offering a masterclass for anyone looking to design their own restorative spaces at home.🎟️ Use code “MIW25” for £25 off her two-hour live course with Q&A: "Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide" (Regular price: £150) 👉 Sign up here : https://www.fourteen-am.com/course-1In this episode Winnie and I also talked about:🌟 How becoming a mother reshaped her approach to designing restorative spaces for city dwellers.🌟 How cultural differences in motherhood shaped her experience, from Hong Kong to London, and influenced her career.🌟 The challenges she faced while building her business and becoming a mother, and the key realizations she gained along the way.🌟 How to design child-friendly, restorative spaces that are both practical and calming for busy families.🌟 How motherhood and career enriched each other, providing unexpected lessons and growth in both areas.Connect with Winnie:👋 Email: winnietam@fourteen-am.com👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniewingyitam/👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourteen.a.m/👋 Website: https://www.fourteen-am.com/—-------------------------------Chapters:00:44 Intro to Make It Work00:56 Winnie’s Intro02:16  Winnie's Background and Studio04:33  Balancing Motherhood and Career06:35  Challenges and Realizations11:49  Cultural Differences in Motherhood16:24  Designing Child-Friendly Spaces23:27  Hands-On Design Session31:05  Final Thoughts and Course Promotion—-------------------------------Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/formFollow and connect with us! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com—-------------------------------#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #InteriorDesigner #designer #journey #tips

May Buendia Palabrica is a mom of 3 based in the Philippines with 15 years of experience in human resources. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of HR Relationship Management at Citibank. May’s career journey is unique, taking an unconventional path that included stepping away from her corporate career after 8 years to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She successfully runs her own kids' gown business, even designing for high-profile clients in the Philippines. However, the pandemic posed a challenge for her business, prompting her return to the corporate world in 2020. Today, May is also a coach for moms who are re-entering the workforce, helping them navigate career transitions while balancing family responsibilities. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the top 20 Filipinos on LinkedIn for her impactful content and professional contributions.In this episode, May and I discuss:🌟 How she made bold career pivots from corporate to entrepreneurship and back.🌟 Advice for those pursuing a non-linear career path🌟 What the Philippine work environment for moms looks like and how it’s changing.🌟 How she built her personal brand and used LinkedIn to grow professionally.🌟 The LinkedIn strategies can boost your profile and create engaging content.Connect with May on:👋 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/maypalabrica/👋 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/may_palabrica/👋 Website: https://linktr.ee/maypalabrica—-------------------------------Chapters00:51 Welcome to Make It Work00:57  Hello May Buendia Palabric02:31  May's Return to Corporate04:54  Challenges During the Pandemic05:52  Support Systems and Resilience06:47  Navigating Career Pivots09:01  Balancing Family and Career11:00  Advice for Working Mothers12:34  The Philippine Work Environment for Moms14:47  Coaching and Career Guidance19:43  Building a Personal Brand23:37  LinkedIn Strategies and Content Creation29:14  LinkedIn Strategies and Content Creation30:42  Final Thoughts and Farewell—-------------------------------Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form Follow and connect with us! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com—-------------------------------#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling

Niti Nadarajah is a mom of 2 based in Melbourne, Australia. Born to Indian migrant parents, she nailed it in school, earned herself a law degree, and climbed the corporate ladder to become Senior Counsel at a big multinational. But despite all that, she felt stuck and uninspired. So, she took a leap and stepped off the corporate treadmill. Today, she is a freelance legal counsel, coach, and passionate advocate for empowering women, helping them "to get unstuck". She is passionate about DEI work, supporting moms returning to work, as well as those who have suffered pregnancy loss.  In this episode, Niti and I chat about: 🌟 How Niti transitioned from a full-time legal career to freelance counsel and the trade-offs she had to accept while building a business to empower women. 🌟 How her Asian upbringing impacted her parenting and how this shapes her advice for other women. 🌟 How Niti helps women get "unstuck" and her number one advice for those feeling stuck in their personal or professional lives. 🌟 The power of sharing personal stories and vulnerability to empower women and create meaningful change. Connect with Niti on: 👋 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/niti-nadarajah/ 👋 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/storiesbyniti/ 👋 Website: https://www.coachingbyniti.com/ —------------------------------- Chapters  00:49 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:45    Hello Niti The Multi-Hyphenate! 02:42   Transformational Journey That Brought Me To Coaching 07:04    Early Motherhood & Possible Postpartum Depression 14:20    Advice on Navigating Back To Work Transitions 19:59   Influences of My Asian Upbringing 23:08   Leaving a Legal Career To Coach: Was It Worth It? 25:13   Being My Boss Was Harder Than I Thought! 29:41  How Sharing My Own Stories Online Grew My Business 31:46  How Do Women Get Stuck? 34:28  Advice for Those Feeling Stuck 36:53  Through The Eyes of My Child… —------------------------------- Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I8RGbw6W5lC8BeqjeLyowu Follow and connect with us! ⁠https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com —------------------------------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #lawyer #law #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling #freelancing

Highlights of our episode “Ep 23: How To Turn Your Career Pause Into Your Greatest Advantage! - Anh Bourcet": 🌟 How to handle career transitions and rediscover your professional identity after leaving a senior role. 🌟 What it takes to build a personal brand and leverage your network for career growth. 🌟How to navigate between corporate life to being self-employed and back to corporate 🌟 What the HOPE framework is and how it helps women navigate career-life integration with flexibility. 🌟For a special 20% discount on Anh’s book “Journeys of Women Leaders Pushing Boundaries in Asia and Healthcare”, use the code hFA84rLzMNKpGb at this checkout  page https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-97-0009-7. Valid till Feb 17, 2025! About Anh…. Anh Bourcet is a Vietnamese-French mother of two teenagers, currently based in Dubai where she has called home for a year now. With a career in healthcare that spans continents, Anh has lived in Europe, Asia, and now - the Middle East. She has spent years as a Market Access leader in the healthcare industry, working on patient access to health care innovations. As a female leader in an environment that’s still largely male-dominated, particularly at the senior levels, she has also co-authored a book on Women Leaders in Healthcare In Asia. Look out for her very personal chapter on her motherhood experience and how she struggled with her own biases at work! After spending nearly a decade climbing the corporate ladder, Anh made a difficult choice to halt her progression to accommodate a global move for the family. After a confronting period of self-discovery, she started freelancing as a healthcare market access consultant. Today, she is also a speaker, and university lecturer, specializing in healthcare market access.  Connect with Anh on: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anh-bourcet 👋 Website: https://www.has4p.com 👋 Email: anh.bourcet@has4p.com —------------------------------- Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast  We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Chapters  00:36 Intro 02:50  Introduction to Anh Bourcet 04:32   My Constants In A Life Of Change 08:00  How I Rediscovered Myself During My Career Transition 08:54   Who Was I Without A Business Card Anymore? 16:04   Returning to Corporate Life: WHY?? 18:22   Navigating Family Decisions and Career Moves 22:31  Insights from the Book: Women in Healthcare 31:07  HOPE Framework for Career and Life Balance —------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #healthcare

Khatija Aslam is a job-sharing Global Innovation Marketing Lead for Zespri and Founder of Moxy, a platform that ignites important conversations about building inclusive workplaces. Originally from Pakistan, Khatija is a mom of 3 girls. She grew up in Malaysia and has called Singapore home for over 18 years now. With close to 15 years in corporate life, Khatija was inspired by her own experiences and the stories of other career-driven women, to found Moxy, with the goal of creating environments that support all working women, particularly mothers, in balancing their career and family responsibilities. Moxy has partnered with organizations like Lean In, LinkedIn, and others, striving to foster meaningful behavior change and push for more family-friendly workspaces.  Khatija and I chat about: 🌟 What job sharing is, how she found her job sharing role and advice if you are looking for such roles 🌟How to tell you boss when you are pregnant 🌟 How Moxy’s card game has helped to spark uncomfortable but much needed conversations around building inclusive workplaces for working moms 🌟How she shares the mental load with her spouse in their own family life 🌟Questions to ask in a job interview to find out exactly how females-friendly workplaces really are. ⁠If you want to get help / advice on how to navigate asking for a part time or job share role then get in touch with Khatija 👋 Connect with Khatija: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khatija-aslam/ 👋 Moxy: https://itsmoxy.com/ Helpful resources: 1) Simple questions to ask your future employer : @64b59b9fcb2a3337b2bd1322/t/664c9484cdb56372e43152c6/1716294789224/MU+x+TMP+-+TOOLKIT+PDF++%281%29.pdf 2) The flexibility advantage blog - if you are thinking about what flexibility means the momproject provides a good framework https://blog.themomproject.com/flexibility-advantage-0 Report here - https://work.themomproject.com/hubfs/WerkLabs/The%20Flexibility%20Advantage_Werklabs.pdf  Some resources on Asking for Flexibility in the Workplace : https://blog.itsmoxy.com/how-to-ask-for-flexibility-in-your-workplace-clvf2zmh8001ji3a1upnc2g0n/ ⁠Resources for Job share : https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/employment-practices/work-life-grant/job-sharing-implementation-guide.pdf Build up your working momma toolkit and save this episode! Or share it with someone who might need to hear this! Join our supportive Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community - https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYQ1x8UIBSZFw0ftoBUv0A Follow and connect with me - https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast Chapters  00:26 Intro 00:38 Introduction to Khatija Aslam 02:33  Khatija's Personal Life and Fun Fact 03:39  Career Changes and Job Sharing 05:03 Why Purpose Becomes So Important After Parenthood 09:32  Job Sharing: What Is it?? 14:39  Supportive Partnerships and Family Dynamic 17:41  Introducing Moxy: Building Inclusive Workplace 20:23  Innovative Solutions: Moxy Table Top Talk 28:37  How Do You Tell Your Boss "I am Pregnant 31:25  Finding Female-Friendly Workplace 37:53  Final Thoughts and Takeaway —------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #mom #momlife #women

SPECIAL PROMO FOR SINGAPORE-BASED LISTENERS of 35% off ANY FACIAL FOR 1ST TIMERS TO KEW ORGANICS & SUGAR K SPAS ! To enjoy this amazing promotion, WhatsApp MIW35 to +65-8805-0065 to make an appointment or quote MIW35 when booking online. Offer valid until 30/6/2025. For more information, please visit http://www.keworganics.com —----------------- Lily Kew is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Kew Organics and Sugar K, two popular organic facial spa brands in Singapore. For over a decade in the wellness industry, Lily has built a thriving business that offers organic skincare treatments with their focus on natural, effective treatments and products through three outlets and an online store. Beyond her professional achievements, Lily’s personal journey is equally inspiring. She has experienced a unique relationship dynamic—having married, divorced, and remarried the same person.She also first became a mother at 45 years old and went on to have a second child at 48 years old. In our raw and wide-ranging conversation, Lily also shares on: 🌟 How she balances the juggling demands of entrepreneurship and motherhood. 🌟 Lily discusses her experiences and reflections on becoming a mother later in life, and how this has shaped her perspective on parenting and life. 🌟 What are the Lily’s experiences to gain practical advice on achieving success and personal growth. 🌟 The emotional and professional challenges she faced when her family business partnership fell apart, and how she navigated this difficult period in her life. Check out our latest episode “Breakups And Busts: Bouncing Back Better with Lily Kew“ now available on: 🎙Apple (audio only)- https://tinyurl.com/2ypqmafn 🎙Spotify (video+audio) - https://tinyurl.com/24dm6vfv 🎙YouTube (video+audio) - https://tinyurl.com/24jwedlj Connect with Lily on: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-kew-b256499b 👋 Kew Organics : https://keworganics.com 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keworganics Follow and connect with us! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. —------------------------------- 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Chapters 00:28 Intro 01:19 Lessons from a Family Partnership 02:34 Advice on Business Partnerships 03:20 My Spouse's Role 06:25 My Darkest Moment: When My Family Business Partnership Failed 08:28 Starting Anew and Finding Support 12:36 Bring Business Lessons Into The Home 15:27 Navigating COVID-19 as a B2C Business 19:24 Balancing Business and Family 21:12 Special Discount For Listeners #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #mom #motherhood #marriage #children

SPECIAL PROMO FOR SINGAPORE-BASED LISTENERS of 35% off ANY FACIAL FOR 1ST TIMERS TO KEW ORGANICS & SUGAR K SPAS ! To enjoy this amazing promotion, WhatsApp MIW35 to +65-8805-0065 to make an appointment or quote MIW35 when booking online.  Offer valid until 30/6/2025. For more information, please visit www.keworganics.com. —----------------- Lily Kew is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Kew Organics and Sugar K, two popular organic facial spa brands in Singapore. For over a decade in the wellness industry, Lily has built a thriving business that offers organic skincare treatments with their focus on natural, effective treatments and products through three outlets and an online store. Beyond her professional achievements, Lily’s personal journey is equally inspiring. She has experienced a unique relationship dynamic—having married, divorced, and remarried the same person.She also first became a mother at 45 years old and went on to have a second child at 48 years old.  In our raw and wide-ranging conversation, Lily also shares on: 🌟 How she balances the juggling demands of entrepreneurship and motherhood. 🌟 Lily discusses her experiences and reflections on becoming a mother later in life, and how this has shaped her perspective on parenting and life. 🌟 What are the Lily’s experiences to gain practical advice on achieving success and personal growth. 🌟 The emotional and professional challenges she faced when her family business partnership fell apart, and how she navigated this difficult period in her life. Check out our latest episode “Breakups And Busts: Bouncing Back Better with Lily Kew“ now available on: 🎙Apple (audio only)- https://tinyurl.com/2ypqmafn 🎙Spotify (video+audio) - https://tinyurl.com/24dm6vfv 🎙YouTube (video+audio) - https://tinyurl.com/24jwedlj Connect with Lily on: 👋 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lily-kew-b256499b 👋 Kew Organics : https://keworganics.com/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keworganics/ Follow and connect with us! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. —------------------------------- 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/  📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/  🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Chapters  00:42 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 02:03 Lily Kew's Personal and Professional Background 02:52 Daily Routine and Health Practices 03:48 Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance 04:32 Compartmentalizing Work and Family Time 08:36 A Cautionary Tale: How Not To Stay Married 15:30 On Having Children at 45 and 48 Years Old Respectively 19:43 Pros and Cons of Being an Older Parent #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #mom #motherhood #marriage #children

Merve Hokamp, is a mother of two, an avid traveler, and an expat originally from Istanbul, Turkey now living in Dublin and married to an American. She is an ICF (International Coaching Federation) -accredited executive coach and the founder of Leadrise Coaching. Prior to that, she completed her MBA from INSEAD, and spent 11 years at Google leading Customer Success and Project Leaders in global teams and also counts management consulting in her professional experience. Today, Merve empowers corporate and business leaders to elevate their careers, build high-performing teams, and drive impactful change. Beyond her professional achievements, Merve brings a deeply multicultural perspective to her life and work, and is a strong believer in the Ikigai framework to help one find purposeful work. Merve is passionate about fostering cultural diversity, creating spaces for reflection and growth, and empowering leaders to root themselves in self-awareness before rising to new heights of success. When she's not coaching, Merve can be found planning her next world travel destination, immersing herself in a good novel, or doing yoga to center her mind and spirit. In our wide-ranging conversation, Merve also shares on: 🌟 How she balances family and her business, even if it means working more hours. 🌟 Her number one productivity hack - separating "manager time" from "maker time" 🌟 Why asking the right questions can be empowering as a manager and how to do that well  🌟Her experiences in bringing her children up in a multicultural environment 🌟  The importance community in her life as a expat mother 🌟  Merve’s ABCDs for building a strong personal brand at work Connect with Merve Hokamp on: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mervehokamp/ 👋 Leadrise Coaching: www.leadrisecoaching.com 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadrisecoaching/ 👋 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553448626981  Follow and connect with us! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. —------------------------------- 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/  📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/  🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Chapters  00:18 Introduction to Make It Work 00:29 Hello Merve 01:49 Merve's Background and Career Journey 03:07 Fun Fact: Cleopatra the Cow 03:38 Daily Rhythms and Work-Life Balance 06:50 Maker Time vs. Manager Time 10:50 Motherhood and Career Impact 15:11 Multicultural Family Life 18:41 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity 19:54 Feeling Overwhelmed and Lonely 20:08 Building My Support Network 20:46 Coping with Grief  22:24 Discovering a Passion for Coaching 23:19 The Power of Open-Ended Questions 24:37 Transitioning to a Coaching Career 25:29 Common Challenges in Coaching 29:15 The ABCDs of Personal Branding and Professional Growth —------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #Productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #Coaching #Ikigai

Sher-li Torrey is a Singaporean mom of 2 - a 16-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. She is best known as the founder of Mums @ Work and Career Navigators, organizations dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers as they return to the workforce. Inspired by her own journey to find flexible work arrangements as a young mother 14 years ago, Mums@Work has since grown into a vibrant community of almost 70,000 members. The platform offers flexible work solutions, a portal for Mumpreneurs to list their services, volunteer opportunities, workshops for working mothers, and returneeship programs to help those transitioning back into the workforce after a career break. With more than a decade of experience working with mothers and partnering with public and private organizations, Sher-li has become a pivotal figure in advocating for this important demographic in Singapore and beyond. In our two-part conversation, she candidly shares: 🌟 The role of work in providing an identity beyond caregiving 🌟 The power of learning to let go and asking for help 🌟 Her "40 Women Over 40" initiative and why every woman needs unsexy role models 🌟 Insights and lessons she never expected from her journey with other mums Connect with Sher-li on: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherlitorrey/ 👋 Mums at Work: https://www.mumsatwork.net/  Follow and connect with us! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠ LinkedIn⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram: 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠ 🍏 Apple 📥 ⁠Email⁠ Chapters  00:00 Episode Snippet 00:27 Introduction to Make It Work 00:37 Hello Sher-Li 01:42 Balancing Work and Family Life 02:13 Daily Routines and Time Management 04:04 Non-Negotiables and Flexibility 05:22 The Importance of Asking for Help 09:21 Unsexy Role Models and Other Inspirations 11:03 When We Transmit Our Insecurities To Our Kids 15:57 When I Hit Rock Bottom 21:21 Advice To My Younger Self 23:25 Finding Purpose and Career Transitions #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #CareerBreak #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #Mothers #Mom #Parents #Parenting #Mum #Family

“…I'd always had a successful career and was always achieving and they just collided. I didn't feel like I could be the mother that I wanted to be, I also felt like at work I wasn't the person that I was before and that was when I started to get panic attacks, and that was the point where I was like, this isn't how life is meant to be like this.” Sara Pantry is a UK transplant in Singapore for the past 8 years and mother to a 3 year old.  She is a Senior Workplace Leader at Linkedin and a passionate advocate and expert on the topic of matrescence, a term that refers to the profound developmental transition a woman undergoes as she becomes a new mother who is navigating the early stages of motherhood. Her work sheds light on how this period impacts not only a woman’s identity but also her mental and emotional well-being. As a Matrescence Practitioner, Accredited ICF Coach and LeanIn Circle leader, Sara has been at the forefront of exploring and discussing this important phenomenon, providing invaluable insights into the complex interplay between motherhood and personal growth with a community of mothers in Singapore. We’re excited to dive into this conversation and explore how matrescence can help us better understand the journey of motherhood. In our enlightening conversation, Sara also shares on: 🌟 Motherhood: Understanding what makes transitioning into motherhood so difficult 🌟 Navigating maternal load with her partner and working on  resolving resentment in parenthood. 🌟 Her experiences and unexpected learnings from creating a LeanIn circle for mothers in Singapore   🌟 The significance of having peer-to-peer mentoring at the workplace who can support and understand the transition back to work after maternity leave. Also available on: 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 ▶️YouTube : https://youtube.com/@makeitwork.podcast Connect with Sara on: 👋Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she_thrives_tribe 👋Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/src357/ 👋LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-pantry/ 👋Email: sara@shethrives.net Connect with us! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. ➡⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/  ➡⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/  ➡ ⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast ➡⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com —------- Chapters  00:00 Episode Snippet 00:23 Introduction to Make It Work 01:07 Hello Sara 02:08 A Day in the Life of Sara 03:12 Balancing Work and Family 06:13 The Challenges of Motherhood 09:45 Discovering Matrescence 19:17 Navigating the Maternal Load 20:46 Understanding Resentment in Parenthood 22:01 Balancing Responsibilities and Communication 24:22 Raising a Child Abroad: Finding Your Tribe 25:47 Creating Support Networks: The Lean In Circle 26:59 Championing Working Moms at LinkedIn 28:02 The Importance of Peer-to-Peer Mentoring 29:57 The Two-Year Transition: Returning to Work 31:10 Global Perspectives on Maternity Support 32:52 Starting a Mentoring Program in Your Company 34:27 The Power of Community Support 36:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways —------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur

Carol Loi is a much sought-after expert in an all-important area that has profound impact on our lives as modern working parents - digital wellness. From learning how we and our children can develop healthy relationships with our devices, to figuring out how AI will affect our kids - Carol has the answers. She is a Singaporean mum of 2 young adult daughters and has been teaching on digital wellness for the past decade. Blending her personal story with the tools and advice that she regularly gives to families and organizations, you’ll hear fantastic implementable steps on how we can better parents in this digital age. Come listen! In this very practical and insightful interview, Carol also shares on: 🌟 Mom guilt and Carol’s strategies for managing and transforming guilt into positive actions 🌟 Digital Wellness:How to develop a healthy relationship with digital devices in the home 🌟 Interesting and implementable family rhythms to help build trust   🌟 The significance of having family SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for safety and communication 🌟The value of regular feedback within the family, similar to work appraisals. Our latest episode “On Parenting Well In A Digital Age with Carol Loi" is available on: Connect with Carol on: 👋Carol's linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolloi/ 👋Carol’s linktree: https://linktr.ee/carol_loi #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #DigitalWellness #FamilyFirst #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #WorkLifeBalance #MentalWellbeing #LeadershipInParenting #ParentingTips #MomGuilt #DigitalParenting Chapters 00:37 Episode Introduction 01:33 Hello Carol 01:38 Carol's Background: 20 Years In Public Service 04:05 Balancing Technology and Family - My Role As your Cheerleader 10:09 The Power of Family Protocols 16:59 Dealing with Mom Guilt 24:20 Ever Heard of the Family Member 360 Appraisal? 27:46 My Three "R"s: Relationship, Reasoning, Rhythm 34:11 Digital Wellness Tips 35:48 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information —------- Follow along! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼Linkedin: https://lnkd.in/gK3DKTEB 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 ▶️YouTube : https://youtube.com/@makeitwork.podcast 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast Email Us: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com

Chris Edwards, originally from Australia, lived in Singapore for 11 years, where she had her three kids and launched the well-known Honeycombers website. She is now based in Byron Bay, Australia, and most recently has launched her fourth business, Launchpad, an all-in-one platform and community looking to provide the necessary tools and support for impactful entrepreneurs. From advice on finding good people in your life to tips on how to juggle it all, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Hint: there’s more “life” in the “work-life balance” equation. In today’s candid and thought-provoking conversation, Chris delves into: 🌟The importance of prioritization and why she lives by the 80/20 rule 🌟Work-life balance or “life-work balance” as she likes to call it and starting the day by doing something enjoyable 🌟How she effectively retired her husband from his corporate job and how they balance roles in family life 🌟Valuable strategies that can be leveraged both in the workplace as well as around the dinner table 🌟Last but not least, the significance of surrounding yourself with good people in life and how she does it Don’t miss out the special promotion for listeners to gain ONE MONTH FREE access to Chris’ Launchpad community of business owners (now 700+ members strong)! Use the promocode ‘makeitwork’ (not case sensitive) to join the “world’s kindest startup community”! Connect with Chris on: 👋Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_edwards_au/ 👋LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisedwardshoneycombers/?originalSubdomain=au 👋Launchpad: https://thelaunchpad.group/ #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Solopreneur *Special thanks to Bianca Boranda for helping with this episode!* Chapters 00:00 Episode Snippet 00:33 Introducing Make It Work 00:46 Introduction and Welcoming Chris 02:08 Hello Chris 03:19 Balancing Work and Family Life 05:03 Productivity Tips and Prioritization 12:20 How Do You Find Good People 16:49 On Retiring My Husband... 18:31 ...And Balancing New Roles in Family Life 20:14 Transition from Singapore to Australia 21:45 Reflecting on Past Decisions 22:47 Lessons From Running A Business And Having A 3rd Kid 28:43 Interchanging Parenting and Business Strategies 32:50 How To Reach Chris —------- Follow along! We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. PS. We are always looking for great stories to be featured!  ➡LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/  ➡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ ➡Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com